Thu, Sep 24, 2009
Urges DOT Requirement Regardless Of Aircraft Size
As consumer groups and travel
industry organizations convene a Washington forum on air passenger
rights, Greg Principato, president of Airports Council
International-North America, offered the following industry
perspective on passenger rights and protections on Tuesday:
"Airline passengers should have the right to deplane after an
extended amount of delay on a runway, and ACI-NA supports a
requirement for airlines to develop such deadlines."
"ACI-NA supports airlines working with the U.S. Congress and the
U.S. DOT to determine specific deadlines, and airport operators
believe that passengers should have access to this information when
making their travel plans. Airlines also should be held accountable
for adhering to the pre-determined deadlines."
Principato noted that airport operators have been supporting
passengers on this issue, urging DOT to require all airlines -
regardless of the size of their aircraft - to develop
contingency plans which are incorporated into their contract of
carriage. Also, given the important role of airports during
lengthy tarmac delays, ACI-NA strongly supports adoption of a
mandate that airlines be required to coordinate their plans with
all airports at which they provide scheduled or charter
service.
ACI-NA has long been active on airline passenger rights,
facilities and finances. In 2008, ACI-NA participated in a DOT
national task force of airlines, airports and the FAA to develop
contingency plans to address delays. The Task Force successfully
produced a plan that addresses several issues raised by industry
and passenger advocates, Principato said. A number of airports
already had implemented measures in the plan. ACI-NA also
filed comments with DOT supporting enhanced protections for
passengers, such as increased compensation for delayed or cancelled
flights and lost baggage.
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